Archive for December, 2014

Possible Causes and Treatment for Red Spots on Penis

Most men avoid going to their doctor, particularly when they face genital problems. One of the problems that men ignore is red spots on their penis. Spots on the penis are usually not a sign of serious problem, as these spots may be harmless. However, it is best to show these spots to your GP. If the spots are painful or recurring, you must consult a health expert at the local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic.

If is natural for men to be concerned when they notice spots on their penis. Most men assume that these spots are cancer, which will eventually spread to other parts of their body. Also, some men get alarmed after seeing the spots because they believe that these spots will affect their sexual performance. However, most of their fears are unfounded, as it may be a simple problem that can solved by applying ointment or by taking medication.

Common Causes for Penile Spots

When you notice red spots on the penis, you need not panic. Here are some common causes of red spots on the penis.

Pearly Penile Papules

These are small bumps that appear on the head of penis. These bumps are usually the same color as the skin, but are pearly in appearance. These glands are not infectious and don’t require any treatment. However, some men may remove it for cosmetic reasons.

Fordyce Spots

If you notice tiny yellowish or white spots on the shaft or the head of the penis, you could be suffering from Fordyce disease. These spots look more prominent if your skin is black or brown in color. These spots are sebaceous glands that are usually a part of the natural structure of the penis. These spots are not sexually transmitted and don’t cause any harm. Since these spots are not associated with disease or infection, you don’t have to take any treatment for these spots.

If these spots are an irritant, you must increase the intake of antioxidants. Some of the items you must include in your diet to increase the intake of antioxidants include avocado, vegetables, and garlic. Additionally your doctor may also prescribe tretinion cream to deal with the problem.

Pimples or Septic Spots

Just as people get pimples on their face, some men get septic spots or pimples on their penis. This problem is particularly common in teenagers and young adults. When pimples appear on the penis, no treatment may be required. However, you must not squeeze the pimple as it can spread infection. Also, you must avoid sex until it is completely gone.

If the pimple or septic spot does not go away in a week, it is best that you ask a doctor to check it.

Hair Follicles

It is a known fact that men have hair growing around the base of their penis. Often, the hair can also appear on the lower penile shaft and the scrotum. Appearance of hair on penis is common in people of Middle East background.

Hair grows out from small pits known as follicle. These follicles may appear quite prominent on few men. These follicles are normal and harmless, and you don’t need any treatment to deal with them.

Genital Warts

Most causes that are previously mentioned in the article don’t require any treatment. However, if you are suffering from genital warts, you must approach a doctor for treatment. Genital warts are transmitted through sexual contact and may appear ivory, brown, black or pink in color.

Genital warts appear as soft-to-the-touch, flesh-colored bumps that look like the surface of the cauliflower. They grow in more than one place and appear as a cluster of large masses. They are usually painless, but may itch. Genital warts usually develop within 6 months after infection. However, in some cases it may take longer.

Genital warts can be easily passed on during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. They can grow more rapidly when the immune system of the person is weakened by HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Hodgkin’s disease, chemotherapy and taking anti-rejection drugs after organ transplant.

If you are suffering from genital warts, you may require treatment at GUM clinics. Your doctor may suggest the use of creams or ointments to deal with the problem. At times, your doctor may suggest surgical remove of warts. This is usually done using laser or probe and is virtually painless.

It is best that you avoid sex until you are completely cured.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Also known as water warts, Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin. Molluscum produces dome-shaped and pearly lumps on the skin. They produce brown or pink in color, and have a little dimple on the top. If these spots are squeezed, white cheesy looking material comes out from these spots.

In adults, Molluscum is usually passed on through sexual intercourse. These spots often appear on the penis, though they could appear anywhere else in the body.

If you are suffering from Molluscum, you must go GUM clinic. Doctors will diagnose the problem and suggest the right treatment for the problem. At times, the spots may disappear in a few weeks. Avoid sexual intercourse or go to the bed naked unless the problem is solved.

Serious Problems

There are some serious problems that can cause penile spots. Fortunately, these causes are rare. Here is a brief of some problems that can cause penile spots:

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause serious problems. About 0.01% of the world’s population suffers from syphilis. This disease has an incubation period of 9 to 90 days. At the end of the incubation period, the disease announces its arrival as a lump on the penis. The color of syphilis will vary depending on the color of the skin. The lump breaks down into an ulcer, if steps are not taken to treat the problem. Most men ignore the problem because both lump and ulcer are painless. At times, the ulcer may go way without taking any treatment. However, it will come back if you don’t take the right treatment.

If you believe that you are suffering from syphilis, you must contact your doctor immediately. If possible, visit a GUM clinic for tests and examinations. The disease is curable provided it is caught early and you take the right treatment. Avoid sex with anyone until you are pronounced cure by a health expert.

Herpes

People, who suffer from herpes, have blisters on their penis. It is a virus that is transmitted during sexual intercourse. The first symptom of herpes is brownish or reddish penile discoloration. After a few days, you may notice blisters which are filled with straw-colored fluid. These blisters can be extremely painful and last for several weeks. Even though the blisters vanish after a few weeks, it does not mean that you are cured. It is in your interest to visit your doctor, who will examine the problem area and suggest examinations and test.